Sugarbeet root maggot (Tetanops myopaeformis Röder) is a serious pest of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) in much of North America. If the root maggot were to develop resistance to the few insecticides currently used or these insecticides became unavailable because of environmental concerns, sugarbeet production in some areas would be threatened. Host plant resistance to the root maggot would provide an alternative control method and has some advantages even if the insecticides continue to be effective. Currently, selection for root maggot resistance is dependent upon natural infestations at sites where root maggot populations are usually high. A 0=no damage to 9=severe damage rating scale has been developed to assess damage and evaluate lines in a breeding program. Two resistant germplasms have been developed and are available for use by commercial sugarbeet breeders and two globe-shaped red beet lines appear to have resistance. Immunity to sugarbeet root maggot feeding has not been found.
Species 1: Diptera Otitidae Tetanops myopaeformis (Sugarbeet root maggot)
Keywords: plant breeding, integrated control
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